Dannette Berksteiner,

EdD, NCC, CCMHC, ACS, LPC, CTRTC

Dr. Berksteiner is a core counseling faculty member at University of Phoenix. She received a bachelor’s degree in workforce education training and development from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, a master’s degree in counseling from Webster University, and a doctorate in counselor education and supervision from Argosy University. Dr. Berksteiner is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC), Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), Choice Theory Reality Therapy Certified (CTRTC), and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Qualified Teacher Level 1. Dr. Berksteiner was a recipient of the 2014 NBCCF Minority Fellowship Program (Doctoral). Prior to entering the counseling profession, she practiced as a Licensed Practical Nurse for over 10 years; therefore, she implements a holistic and integrative approach to client treatment. Dr. Berksteiner has over 20 years of experience as a clinical mental health provider and has had the opportunity to work with a vast population of clients that include children, adolescents, families, couples, and individuals. In addition to Dr. Berksteiner’s experience in health care and academia, she is also a well-sought-after speaker and trainer.

Dr. Berksteiner has presented at conferences and provided training at the local, regional, national, and international levels. These workshops and trainings include topics on the unique needs of the military population, integrative approaches to wellness, and multicultural awareness. She believes in the power of the community to heal, uplift, and empower others. This is demonstrated through her altruistic commitment to civic engagement in her local community and profession. Dr. Berksteiner has served on several national advisory council committees that support members of the counseling profession. Through her volunteerism and advocacy efforts, she embodies the servant leadership model while collaborating with individuals, organizations, and institutions to improve the lives of others.

Brenden A. Hargett,

PhD, NCC, MAC, LCMHC, LCAS

Dr. Hargett serves as the Director of Ethics for the National Board for Certified Counselors and Adjunct Faculty at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical (A&T) State University. He is a behavioral health professional with years of experience as a clinician, clinical supervisor and manager, consultant/trainer, researcher, counselor, and counselor educator in a variety of settings, both public and private.

Dr. Hargett holds a PhD in rehabilitation counseling and rehabilitation counselor education from North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, N.C. He is credentialed as a National Certified Counselor (NCC), Master of Addictions Counselor (MAC), a North Carolina Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), and a North Carolina Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS).

Dr. Hargett has served as a volunteer mentor and presenter at symposiums for NBCCF’s fellowship program. In 2019, he was appointed by Gov. Roy Cooper to serve as a member of the North Carolina Commission for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services.

Winifert Lawson-Graves,

EdD

Winifert Lawson-Graves, EdD, provides business development and marketing services for NBCC and Affiliates. CCE’s Business Development Department is responsible for the acquisition of new business, its training provider relations, partner relations, and the learning management system, CCE Academy. Before joining the organization, she served as Vice President of Marketing and Development for an international nonprofit in Rincon, Puerto Rico; Director of Marketing for a national nonprofit in Rhode Island; and Public Relations Manager for the Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro, N.C. Dr. Lawson-Graves received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Norfolk State University, a master’s degree in communication studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and a doctorate in educational leadership and change from Fielding Graduate University.

Taunya Marie Tinsley,

PhD, DMin, NCC, ACS, BCC, LPC, LPCC

Dr. Tinsley, the visionary owner of Transitions Counseling Service LLC and Love & Basketball Ministries and Life Coaching Services, is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of extensive experience. She provides a comprehensive range of counseling services and transformative leadership development training. She excels in clinical counseling, higher education, and athletic administration. Currently serving as the Director of Certification Services at the National Board for Certified Counselors, Dr. Tinsley has held numerous prestigious leadership positions within various counseling associations including the North Atlantic Regional Representative and President of the Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (AMCD), President of the Pennsylvania College Counseling Association, and President of the Pennsylvania Counseling Association. Her collaboration with the American Counseling Association in developing the Sports Counseling Interest Network and the Anti-racism Commission and her leadership roles in other counseling associations highlight her dedication to making a positive impact. Her educational credentials include a bachelor’s degree from Augsburg College, a master’s degree from the University of Iowa, and a PhD from Duquesne University, complemented by various professional certifications. Dr. Tinsley’s expertise includes sports counseling, youth and adult development through sports, spiritual interventions in counseling, and multicultural and social justice issues. Her dedication to her clients and commitment to professional growth and community advocacy have established her as a highly respected and influential figure in counseling and other academic and professional disciplines.